Employee Matters

This column by Employee Compensation and Benefits addresses campuswide employment issues. Send your questions to: wisweek@news.wisc.edu.

I am not currently enrolled in the major medical (Epic) or Dentacare plans. Will there be an open enrollment period in the near future?
Yes. Dentacare has an open enrollment and major medical (Epic) has a special enrollment that started, Oct. 8 and runs through Friday, Oct. 26.

Who is eligible to enroll in Major Medical (EPIC)?
You may enroll if you are eligible for the State Group Health Insurance program whether currently insured or not.

Who is eligible to enroll in Dentacare?
Non-represented employees in the following appointments: faculty, academic staff, non-represented classified and limited term employees covered by WRS, research assistants, fellows, scholars and employees-in-training, which includes research associates, post-doctoral fellows, post-doctoral trainees, postgraduate trainees 1 through 7, interns non-physician, research interns, and graduate interns/trainees. Employees in represented appointments may have dental plans available to them under the union contracts and therefore should contact their union.

If I enroll in Dentacare or major medical, when will my coverage begin?
Coverage will begin Jan. 1, 2002.

When will Dentacare or Major Medical deductions begin?
Classified employees will see a deduction on their Dec. 13 paycheck for major medical and on their Nov. 15 paycheck for Dentacare. Unclassified employees will see a deduction on their Jan. 2 paycheck for major medical and on their Nov. 30 paycheck for Dentacare.

Are there any other benefit plans requiring fall enrollment?
Yes. The Employee Reimbursement Accounts Program requires annual enrollment or re-enrollment. That enrollment period is Oct. 8-Nov. 9.

Who is eligible for the Employee Reimbursement Accounts Program?
All university employees except those in appointments with the following titles: limited term employees, fellows, scholars, research assistants and student hourly.

When will my coverage begin under the Employee Reimbursement Accounts Program?
Coverage becomes effective Jan. 1.

Will I receive any materials about the fall enrollments?
Employee Reimbursement Accounts Program booklets and enrollment instructions will be sent in early October. Material is individually addressed and sent via campus mail to eligible employees. No material will be sent regarding the Dentacare or Major Medical “special” enrollment. More details can be found at the Benefits Fair Oct. 11 at Memorial Union, or on the Web.

EC&BS: http://www.bussvc.wisc.edu/WhatsNew

Department of Employee Trust Funds: http://badger/state/wi.us/agencies/etf/rf/erabook2001.pdf or: http://badger/state/wi.us/agencies/etf/ben/benl3p21.htm

Whom should I contact if I have questions?
Contact a benefits specialist via e-mail at employee@bussvc.wisc.edu, or call 263-7556 or 262-5650.